Marcos to public: Never forget our heroes

As the country commemorates National Heroes' Day on Monday, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. acknowledged Filipinos who fought for the nation and urged the public not to forget them.

Marcos paid tribute to these countless men and women for their extraordinary courage and valor to establish and preserve the country.

He said their actions "not only remind us of the nobility of our race, but also invite us to take part in the difficult but rewarding task of nation-building."

"We remember and honor each of them for the sacrifices they made in our behalf so that we may live in peace, security, and liberty as well as realize our full potential as Filipinos," Marcos said in his message.

"We must never forget them as their legacy of heroism lives on in the hearts of our medical professionals, civil servants, uniformed personnel, and ordinary citizens who toil daily to keep the Filipino dream alive."

Marcos urged Filipinos to strive "to fulfill our own promise so that we may also be heroes in our own right and a source of pride and inspiration for the succeeding generation of Filipinos to emulate."

Libingan ng mga Bayani

On Monday morning, Marcos led the commemoration of the National Heroes' Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

Together with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lieutenant General Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, Marcos offers a wreath during the event to honor the courage of Filipino heroes who fought for the country's freedom.

Also present in the event were Defense officer-in-charge Jose Faustino Jr., National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairman Rene Escalante, and Taguig City Mayor Laarni Cayetano.

In his speech, Marcos reiterated his call for the public to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

"Nais ko ring kunin ang pagkakataon na ito upang magpaalala sa lahat na sumunod na sa direktiba ng pamahalaan hinggil sa ating kalusugan. Inaanyayahan ko ang lahat ng mga maaaring magpabakuna na makiisa sa ating mga vaccination programs upang mapangalagaan ang kalusugan hindi lamang ng ating sarili, kung hindi ang ating mga kapwa," Marcos said.

(I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to follow the government's health directives. I encourage those who can be vaccinated to avail the government's vaccination programs to ensure everyone's health.)

"Ito ang panahon upang pagtibayin ang ating lakas at maghanda sa mabilis at siguradong pagbangon ng ating ekonomiya. Manalig tayong sisikat at sasapit din ang mas ligtas at mas masaganang kinabukasan para sa ating lahat," he added.

(This is the time for us to strengthen and prepare for the economy's recovery. Let us be positive that our future will be safe and prosperous.)

War veterans

The President also acknowledged war veterans who had fought for Filipinos as he vowed that his administration will build hospitals for them, especially in the Visayas and Mindanao.

"Makakaasa kayo na ang pamahalaang ito ay mananatiling aktibo sa pagsusulong ng mga programang tutugon sa inyong mga pangangailangan, lalo na para sa kanilang mga rekisitong pangkalusugan," Marcos said.

(I guarantee that this government will be active in ensuring the implementation of programs that are responsive to your needs.)

"Kaisa ng Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, magpapatayo tayo ng mga ospital sa Visayas at Mindanao na ilalaan natin para sa ating mga beterano," he added.

(With the help of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, we will establish hospitals in Visayas and Mindanao for war veterans.)

He further recognized the country's modern-day heroes, including agricultural and other industry workers, Filipino laborers, teachers and other education personnel, health personnel, uniformed personnel, and overseas Filipino workers for their contributions for the nation.

"Habang ang makabagong panahon ay nagbibigay  sa atin ng mga pagbabagong kailangang harapin, tiyak na malalampasan natin ang kahit na anong pagsubok kung magiging bayani tayo sa ating sariling mga pamamaraan," Marcos said.

(While we face new challenges in this time, we can surpass them if we will be our own heroes.)

"Gamitin natin ang ating kakayahan upang panibaguhin ang ating kapaligiran para sa higit na ikabubuti ng lahat," the President said.

(Let us utilize our skills and capabilities to improve the nation for the betterment of every Filipino.) — KBK/RSJ, GMA News